Daqin arrests alchemists, what does it matter to me as a qi refiner?

Yang Ling smiled slightly and nodded: "Fusu, it's been a long time."

His voice was deep and powerful, as if every word contained profound philosophy. Fusu and the soldiers unconsciously straightened their backs, as if they were under some kind of invisible pressure.

"What are you doing here?" Fusu asked curiously. They had just come out of the mysterious jungle, and now they had encountered Yang Ling; it all seemed too coincidental.

Yang Ling looked up into the distance, a deep light flashing in his eyes: "I'm looking for something, something that can unravel the doubts in my heart."

Fusu and the others exchanged glances, all seeing the confusion in each other's eyes. They had fought alongside Yang Ling, but had never seen him so serious and mysterious.

"What are you looking for?" a soldier couldn't help but ask curiously.

Yang Ling withdrew his gaze, looked at them, and said calmly, "I am searching for the celestial beast, Lu Mi."

"The celestial beast Deer?" Fusu and the others were even more puzzled. They had lived in this world for a long time, but had never thought of searching for any celestial beast Deer.

Yang Ling nodded: "Yes, the celestial beast Lu Mi. The world you see is just the tip of the iceberg. The real world is far more complex and mysterious than you can imagine."

He paused, then continued, "I used to think I was strong enough to control my own destiny. But later I realized I was wrong."

There are many things in this world that I cannot understand or control. Therefore, I decided to seek the answers, to search for the truth that can explain everything.

Hearing Yang Ling's words, Fu Su and the others fell into deep thought. They had once thought they were powerful enough to control their own destiny. But now it seemed they were still far from it.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Fusu asked tentatively. They knew Yang Ling wasn't one to trouble others; if he actively sought help, it must be because he genuinely needed it.

Yang Ling glanced at them, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes: "Thank you, you've already helped me so much. From now on, I must walk this path alone."

Fu Su and the others exchanged glances, all seeing the unwavering determination in each other's eyes. They knew that Yang Ling was a man of firm convictions, and once he made a decision, it was difficult to change his mind.

"Alright, then be careful." Fusu patted Yang Ling on the shoulder. "If you need any help, just come to us."

Yang Ling nodded: "I will."

After saying that, he turned and walked away into the distance. His figure gradually blurred in the sunlight until it finally disappeared from sight.

As the Imperial Advisor, Yang Ling bears the heavy responsibility of finding the mythical beast Lu Mi. He deeply understands Lu Mi's importance; it is not only a symbol of the nation but also possesses mysterious power capable of bringing prosperity to the country. Therefore, he decides to personally visit the former guardian, hoping to obtain clues about Lu Mi from him.

After some twists and turns, Yang Ling finally found the Guardian's residence. It was an ancient temple hidden deep in the mountains, surrounded by towering trees, giving it a mysterious and solemn feel. Yang Ling took a deep breath and stepped forward to knock on the temple door.

The door opened quickly, and an elderly man with white hair appeared before Yang Ling. He wore a gray robe, had a kind face, and his eyes shone with wisdom. Yang Ling recognized him at a glance; he was the guardian from before.

"Greetings, Guardian." Yang Ling bowed respectfully. "I am Yang Ling, the Imperial Advisor, and I have come to pay you a visit."

The old man smiled slightly and nodded: "So it's the Imperial Advisor, please come in."

Yang Ling followed the old man into the temple and found that although it was simple, it exuded an ancient and mysterious atmosphere. The temple walls were painted with various strange symbols and patterns, seemingly telling some ancient and mysterious story.

"What brings you here, Grand Preceptor?" the old man asked bluntly.

Yang Ling didn't hide anything and directly stated his purpose: "Guardian, I have come here to find the celestial beast Lu Mi. I know that you have had contact with it before, so I have come to ask you for advice."

Upon hearing Yang Ling's words, a look of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes: "You want to find the celestial beast Lu Mi? That's no easy task. Its whereabouts are unpredictable, and very few people have ever seen its true face."

Yang Ling's heart tightened, but he didn't give up: "I know it's difficult, but I must find it. Guardian, could you tell me some clues about Lu Mi?"

The old man pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "The celestial beast Lu Mi is indeed very mysterious, but I have also had the opportunity to meet it once. It likes to live in deep mountains and forests, especially in places full of spiritual energy. If you want to find it, you must go deep into the mountains and forests and carefully search for its tracks."

Hearing the old man's words, a glimmer of hope ignited in Yang Ling's heart. He knew it would be a difficult and long journey, but he was fully prepared.

"Thank you, Guardian," Yang Ling said gratefully. "I will definitely complete this task."

"You're too kind, Grand Preceptor," the old man said with a smile. "Although the celestial beast Deer is mysterious, it is also a sentient being. As long as you are sincere, I believe you will definitely find it."

Yang Ling nodded, his heart filled with confidence and determination.

He bid farewell to the old man and embarked on his journey to find the mythical beast, Lu Mi. He knew it would be an adventure full of challenges and unknowns, but he was prepared to face all possible difficulties and challenges.

In his search, he ventured deep into the mountains and forests, seeking every possible clue. He fought against wild beasts and battled against natural disasters, but he never gave up his belief in finding the mythical beast, Lu Mi.

Upon learning that Yang Ling had ventured alone into the mountains in search of the mythical beast Lu Mi, Xu Fu couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity. Although he knew that Yang Ling, as the Imperial Advisor, was always mysterious and unpredictable, his solo search for the beast still surprised him. Therefore, he decided to follow him and see what Yang Ling was up to.

After some effort, Xu Fu finally caught up with Yang Ling deep in the mountains. At this moment, Yang Ling was standing in front of a dense forest, his brows furrowed, as if searching for something.

"Master Zhao, what a coincidence! I never expected to meet you here." Xu Fu stepped forward and greeted him.

Yang Ling turned around and saw that it was Xu Fu. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "Oh? It's Xu Fu. What are you doing here?"

Xu Fu smiled and said, "I heard that the Imperial Advisor was looking for the mythical beast Lu Mi, so I came to see what was going on."

Yang Ling frowned slightly: "This matter is none of your business, you'd better not interfere." Xu Fu, however, did not take it to heart: "Grand Preceptor, you are mistaken. Since we are all here to find the immortal beast, why not go together? More people mean more strength."

Yang Ling knew that Xu Fu was no ordinary person, and with his help, they might be able to find the celestial beast Lu Mi faster. So he nodded: "Alright, since you're willing to help, let's look for it together."

The two walked side by side, venturing deeper into the mountains and forests. Xu Fu couldn't help but ask curiously, "Grand Preceptor, what is the purpose of your search for the mythical beast, the Deer-like creature? Does it truly possess some mysterious power?"

Yang Ling was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "The celestial beast Lu Mi does indeed possess mysterious power. I sought it out to refine pills."

"Alchemy?" Xu Fu's eyes widened in surprise. "Does the Imperial Advisor intend to refine an elixir of immortality?"

Yang Ling shook his head: "The elixir of immortality is just a legendary thing, and I don't expect to be able to refine it. But the flesh and bone marrow of the immortal beast Lu Mi contain powerful spiritual energy and vitality, which can be used to refine some pills that can enhance cultivation and prolong life."

Upon hearing this, Xu Fu was deeply moved. He had also heard the legend of the mythical beast Lu Mi and knew it to be an extremely rare and precious creature. If he could obtain its flesh and marrow to refine elixirs, it would undoubtedly be an immense opportunity and blessing.

"The Imperial Advisor's vision is indeed far-sighted and admirable," Xu Fu exclaimed sincerely.

Yang Ling gave a wry smile: "Long-term vision? Perhaps. But most of the time, I'm just doing my duty and fulfilling my mission. As the national advisor, I must be responsible for the prosperity of the country and the well-being of the people."

Xu Fu remained silent. He understood that what Yang Ling said was true.

As the Imperial Advisor, he bears the heavy responsibility of the nation and the high expectations of the people, and often has to make difficult and painful choices. Seeking the mythical beast Lu Mi to refine elixirs is undoubtedly one of those choices.

The two continued onward, traversing the dense forest in search of the celestial beast, Lu Mi.

After a long search and countless disappointments, Yang Ling and Xu Fu finally discovered traces of the celestial beast Lu Mi in a secluded valley. They approached cautiously, afraid of disturbing it. Lu Mi was leisurely grazing on the grass in the valley, the faint spiritual light emanating from its body shining brightly in the sunlight.

Yang Ling took a deep breath and slowly walked forward. He knew that the celestial beast Lu Mi was different from ordinary wild animals; it possessed extremely high spirituality and keen perception. Therefore, he had to maintain sufficient respect and caution in order to approach it.

"Lu Mi Celestial Beast, I, Yang Ling, have come to pay my respects." Yang Ling bowed respectfully and said, "I have a request for your assistance."

Lu Mi raised its head, scrutinizing Yang Ling and Xu Fu with its clear and deep eyes. It seemed to be able to see through their hearts and intentions, but showed no hostility or vigilance.

"Are you the Imperial Advisor Yang Ling?" Lu Mi suddenly spoke, her voice clear and melodious, like heavenly music.

Yang Ling and Xu Fu were both taken aback, not expecting the celestial beast Lu Mi to be able to speak. Yang Ling quickly replied, "It is indeed this junior. This junior has come here hoping to borrow your power to refine pills."

Lu Mi frowned slightly: "Alchemy? You humans always pursue immortality and endless power, but often overlook the essence and meaning of life. The way of alchemy is miraculous, but it is not omnipotent. Do you really understand what you want?"

Yang Ling was silent for a moment, then said, "This junior understands your meaning. But as the Imperial Preceptor, I must be responsible for the prosperity of the country and the well-being of the people. Although alchemy cannot make people immortal, it can enhance cultivation and prolong life. This is enough for us."

Lu Mi sighed softly: "Since you have made up your mind, I will not say anything more. But you must remember that everything has two sides. The way of alchemy is also like this; a slight mistake can lead to utter ruin."

Yang Ling felt a chill run down his spine and nodded solemnly: "This junior will keep it in mind."

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from afar. Yang Ling and Xu Fu turned around and saw a group of masked men dressed in black rushing towards them. They were carrying gleaming swords and knives, clearly heading for the celestial beast, Lu Mi.

"Oh no! Someone's coming!" Xu Fu exclaimed.

Lu Mi sensed the danger and let out a long howl before charging towards the man in black. Yang Ling and Xu Fu immediately drew their swords to help.

However, despite its immense strength, Lu Mi was ultimately no match for the combined forces. In the midst of the fierce battle, it was caught off guard by a man in black and fell heavily to the ground. Yang Ling and Xu Fu were shocked and rushed forward to check on it.

Lu Mi lay on the ground, groaning in pain, her eyes filled with resentment and anger. Yang Ling felt a sharp pain in his heart; he knew that this was all because of his greed. If he hadn't come to find the celestial beast Lu Mi for alchemy, perhaps none of this would have happened.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." Yang Ling murmured to himself, "It's all my fault..."

Lu Mi shook her head slightly: "This isn't your fault...it's my own fate...you should leave...it's no longer safe here..." She then closed her eyes and said nothing more. Yang Ling and Xu Fu looked at each other speechlessly, their hearts filled with grief and guilt...

Seeing the celestial beast Lu Mi lying on the ground, barely breathing, Yang Ling felt as if his heart was being torn apart. He knew that there was nothing he could do to bring this life back. But he couldn't let Lu Mi's sacrifice be in vain; he had to fulfill his mission, using Lu Mi's flesh and blood to refine elixirs and bring blessings to the country and its people.

"Xu Fu, quickly help me preserve Lu Mi's flesh and blood properly," Yang Ling instructed.

Xu Fu nodded. He knew Yang Ling's feelings at this moment and understood his responsibility. The two carefully handled Lu Mi's body, collecting his flesh and bone marrow one by one and sealing them with special magical artifacts and talismans.

After doing all this, Yang Ling stood up, gazing at Lu Mi's remains, his heart filled with grief and respect. He decided to erect a monument for Lu Mi to commemorate this great celestial beast.

"Xu Fu, what do you think should be written on the stele?" Yang Ling asked.

Xu Fu pondered for a moment and said, "We should inscribe Lu Mi's deeds and contributions on a monument so that future generations will know of his greatness and sacrifice."

Yang Ling nodded: "You're right. Let's write it like this: 'The celestial beast Lu Mi sacrificed itself for the country, its blood and flesh were used to refine elixirs to save the common people. Future generations should remember its kindness and never forget it.'"

Together, the two erected a tall stone monument in the valley and inscribed the text on it. Yang Ling also specially burned incense and paid homage before the monument to express his respect and gratitude to Lu Mi.

After the ceremony, Yang Ling turned to Xu Fu and said, "Xu Fu, we were able to successfully find the celestial beast Lu Mi and obtain its flesh and blood thanks to your help. On behalf of the country and its people, I thank you." (End of Chapter)